Lights out for Kumasi Polytechnic over GHâ‚µ3million debt

Academic work has been disrupted at the Kumasi Polytechnic after ECG disconnected their power supply over a Ghâ‚µ3million debt.

The polytechnic says it does not have the funds to pay for the outstanding debt.

Speaking to Luv Fm’s John Teye, Felix Mensah, the Director of Works and Physical Development at the Polytechnic confirmed the disconnection of power to the campus and said the authorities are in talks with ECG to reach a settlement.

Government, who previously covered the payments of utility bills for public schools, earlier this year announced a decision to wean all government agencies off its budgetary allocation on utility subsidies.

This decision meant tertiary Institutions would have to shoulder their utility bills.

But after complaints from authorities and students in tertiary institutions, government decided to take back the burden of paying utilities.

It appears ECG can no longer tolerate the Polytechnic’s debt levels and has gone ahead to cut off the Polytechnic from its grid.

Felix Mensah said the ECG informed the school authorities of their intent in September of this year and that “The Vice Rector of the Institution and myself went to ECG to speak to them and we had an understanding that we would write to them indicating some commitment that we would look into the issue and get back to them within two weeks to confirm or otherwise whether indeed the institution was to pay these bills. “

When asked if he thought the institution was capable of paying such a huge sum of money, Mr. Mensah indicated that it was unlikely.

“It would have to be spread over some time” Some students, mostly newly-admitted, shared their frustration at the situation. They indicated that they are unable to iron their clothes or study after dark.